Covid-19 recoveries in old age homes show constant increase
THE Department of Social Development says that it is pleased with the consistent Covid-19 recoveries in old age homes across the province.
This as the number of residents in old age homes who have recovered from Covid-19 has increased to 2 447, as of Tuesday.
Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez said: “The current figures show an increase of 163 recoveries, and a decrease in the number of active infections from 101 to 33, since the our last report on February 3, 2021.
“While we are continuing to witness steady Covid-19 recoveries in old age homes across the Western Cape, we need to remain on high alert and be responsive to any potential risks of infections increasing as they have in the past.
“I wish to thank the board of directors of every old age home, carers, staff, officials and family members for their ongoing commitment and devotion in helping us manage the spread of the virus at all old age homes.”
The Department of Social Development’s role, as stipulated in the Older Persons Act, is to register residential facilities and to monitor adherence to norms and standards of care within facilities, while it supports older persons living at in the facilities.
“Although all old age homes are owned and managed independently, currently, in the Western Cape, we support 117 old age homes out of the 300 recorded homes. I would like to encourage the public to frequently wash their hands and to wear your masks correctly each time you leave home.
“It is also crucial to clean all surfaces around you, whether it be at home or work. Let’s do everything we can to ensure that we stop the further spread of the virus, and protect those who are older,” said Fernandez.